Two and a half months later.
In the chaotic cave, Xiao Yan suddenly shouted, "Flame Energy Convergence!"
Under this roar, the three flames enveloping the spearhead—crafted from purple crystal—slowly gathered at its center as countless runes flickered.
With a resonant hum, all three Heavenly Flames fully merged into the crystalline spearhead.
Infused with this powerful energy core, the spearhead trembled violently, its originally purple hue now seared into a blazing crimson.
Tempered by the Heavenly Flames, the fire-tipped spearhead took on a deep, blood-red appearance, its surface etched with countless mysterious Sanskrit inscriptions, as if symbolizing the wrath of a Buddhist deity.
The flame-shaped blade emitted intense fiery light due to the boiling Heavenly Flames, turning its surroundings into scorched earth.
The flames emanating from the spear burned like crimson tassels, spreading in all directions with each swing. The undying true fire ignited the surroundings like blooming red lotuses, only extinguishing when all malevolence was burned to ashes.
Looking at the floating fire-tipped spearhead in his palm, Xiao Yan smirked coldly. "Soul Palace, huh."
Over the past two months, the Blazing Spirit Armor had been completed, and its effectiveness against Soul Palace's enforcers had been enhanced.
Currently, the most likely opponents from Soul Palace were soul-body enforcers, which meant they had a fatal weakness.
Xiao Yan never expected two pieces of equipment to elevate someone to Dou Zong level—that was unrealistic.
The fire-tipped spearhead was inscribed with runes that mimicked the soul-plowing attack technique. The three Heavenly Flames merged into a unique "Samadhi True Fire," which, when unleashed through the spearhead, could deal fatal damage to souls.
Since this was the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's first attempt at forging a weapon, Xiao Yan naturally couldn't entrust the entire process to it.
The lion had only crafted a part of the weapon—the most critical components were still handled by Xiao Yan himself, the master craftsman.
"The fire-tipped spearhead is complete. Made from Purple Spirit Crystal and Purple Crystal, it fuses the Profound Yellow Flame, the Ten Thousand Beasts Spirit Flame, and the Yin-Yang Twin Flame—three Heavenly Flames—and is absolutely safe."
The more Xiao Yan examined the glowing red spearhead, the more satisfied he became. Safety was the priority.
"Young Master Yan, I've succeeded!" Suddenly, a lion's roar reverberated into the cave.
Xiao Yan stored the spearhead and stepped outside. "Just a few days shy of the three-month deadline. The Lion King's speed is commendable."
The massive Purple Crystal Winged Lion King soared in from the distance, transforming into human form mid-flight before landing in the valley. With pride, it presented an ancient-looking staff adorned with intricate patterns.
"This is the weapon the Lion King forged?" Yun Yun examined the staff, its surface engraved with cloud motifs and obscure dark-gold inscriptions. She couldn't help but feel puzzled.
How could the Flame-Feathered Eagle Emperor's bones and Purple Crystal produce something like this?
Xiao Yan summoned the staff into his hand. Its weight—akin to the Heavy Xuan Ruler—nearly made him stagger.
After a brief inspection, Xiao Yan nodded at the Lion King. "Not bad. Go rest and reflect on this forging experience."
"As long as Young Master Yan is satisfied." Zi Yan grinned. Crafting this Demon-Subduing Staff had drained him—his beast flames were nearly exhausted.
Once the Lion King left, Xiao Yan twirled the staff and turned to Yun Yun. "We've trained in this valley for over two months. It's time to test your progress."
Yun Yun tightened her grip on her ancient sword. These past months had been her most diligent period of cultivation since her Dou Qi days.
The valley's unique terrain made its natural energy not only denser than that of Cloud岚 Sect's mountain but also exceptionally pure.
Training here yielded twice the results with half the effort.
Moreover, with the help of the sixth-tier "Emperor Extreme Pill" Xiao Yan had given her, her strength had skyrocketed—breaking through three star levels in a short time to reach seven-star Dou Huang.
Yet despite this, in their numerous sparring sessions, she still felt like a novice, utterly outmatched by Xiao Yan.
Remembering the "punishments" after each loss made her cheeks burn. At such a young age, he shows no mercy...
Xiao Yan stretched lazily. "I'm not at my best right now—I can only exert Dou Wang-level strength. Surely you won't hesitate now?"
"I can never gauge your true strength." Even after nearly three months together, Yun Yun still felt Xiao Yan's power was shrouded in mist.
Xiao Yan planted the Demon-Subduing Staff beside him with a sigh. "This time, I'll allow you to activate the Blazing Spirit Armor. Let's see how strong you can really be."
"This dress... can actually boost strength?" Yun Yun glanced down at the exquisite gown, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief.
She'd heard of strength-enhancing pills and techniques, but clothing that augmented power sounded like a fairy tale.
She'd always assumed Xiao Yan was teasing her—that it was just the first dress he'd made for her, something to cherish.
"When have I ever lied to you?" Xiao Yan was stunned she hadn't believed him. This treasure could instantly elevate a Dou Huang to Dou Zong—without any pain.
"You've lied to me plenty!" Yun Yun bit her lip. She'd actually believed his "strength-boosting" claims for half a month, enduring until tears welled up. I should've bitten off that wicked thing of his!
Xiao Yan paused—she had a point. Even his name had been fake.
But this time, the goods were real.
Clearing his throat, he said, "I promise it's true this time. You'll see once you try it."
"Let's begin. We still have to eat later." Xiao Yan adopted a serious tone.
Yun Yun also steadied herself. She wanted to see the fruits of her rigorous training.
Under the radiant sunlight, the valley seemed draped in a golden veil. The azure sky, dotted with pristine white clouds, resembled a tranquil guardian watching over the land. A majestic waterfall cascaded in the distance, its roar like an impassioned symphony.
Within the valley, a man and woman stood poised for battle. Even before their moves began, their auras clashed in the air.
Xiao Yan, clad in black robes, stood tall with a lazy smile. A peculiar flame mark adorned his forehead, lending him a gentle yet enigmatic air.
Yun Yun wore a high-waisted black dress, her long ebony hair cascading over her shoulders. Adorned with a silver lotus hairpiece, she exuded noble elegance.
The starlight patterns on her skirt shimmered, as if she were a celestial maiden descended from the cosmos, radiating grace and refinement.
Facing a seven-star Dou Huang—while weakened from splitting his Heavenly Flame essence—Xiao Yan was fully alert.
Against such a vast power gap, skill alone had limited effect.
Moreover, this time, he wielded the Demon-Subduing Staff—not his strongest sword techniques.
(End of Chapter)
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